Geelong hoists the rainbow flag as Victoria prepares for IDAHOBIT

IN celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), the Geelong Council has flown the rainbow and trans* flags over City Hall.

While the Australian, Aboriginal and Geelong flags usually fly over the building, council told the Star Observer this is one of the only times another flag has been raised over City Hall.

Cr Jan Farrell said Geelong Council was proud to support IDAHOBIT, and drew attention to diversity within the LGBTI community.

“We need to make a special effort to acknowledge each part of the GLBTI acronym, as the needs and experiences of each person are different. Trans and gender diverse people experience much higher levels of discrimination and abuse resulting in poorer health outcomes,” she said.

“This is why we are working in Geelong to reduce this discrimination and celebrate the diversity in our community. The raising of the trans flag is one small way that we are showing our support.”

Geelong joins a number of other councils in Melbourne and regional Victoria marking IDAHOBIT over the next week. The Hobsons Bay Council will also raise a rainbow flag, with an event in Altona in Melbourne’s west next Monday, May 19.

La Trobe University in Bendigo will hold a rainbow flag-raising as part of their Pride Day tomorrow, which will see performances and stalls showcasing the campus’ diverse community of students and staff.

“It’s important to show students that there are support services at the University and in the community and they are not alone,” La Trobe University Queer Counsellor Jan Taylor said.